Question
Is it time to have surgery on my left knee?In the last three months i am not able to put any weight on my left knee.It is very painful and i have noticed some swelling,october 31,1996 i had a RTK replacement.I have had no problems with it,my doctor told me eventually i would have to have the left knee replaced.At that time the right knee was worse.I keep up with the latest technology and surgeries concerning the knee,my understanding is their is a procedure where you do not have to replace the entire knee only the part that is damaged.And the hospital and rehab.time is less,Iworked in orthopedics for 8 years here and at the U.S.Army hospital in Germany.What is the name of the new procedure?Can you give me some information about the surgery?
Answer
There are many “partial” knee replacements that replace only one of the damaged compartments. A highly advertised one is called the “unispacer”. Most orthopedic surgeons have limited enthusiasm for these procedures except in a very select group of patients. This is because most patients have more than one compartment involved and need a total joint replacement. I would seek a formal orthopedic opinion to see if you are a candidate.
